CLIENT: Blue Ocean Brokerage

BUSINESS: Brokerage Firm

YEAR: March 2022-present

SUMMARY: 

After years of big box gifting to reach a client roster of 200+, a $15k mishap by one of those big wine distributors resulting in negative client experience and vocal disappointment—the Director of Operations wanted to make a change. Supporting 13 brokers across different desks, sourcing and coordinating gift buy-in, distribution and ensuring accurate financial tracking for audit purposes, all while adhering to FINRA guidelines outside of her daily R&R was consuming a lot of time, and mistakes were not welcome.

In 2021, they tested a new strategy with Hewson and after a successful year, other desks wanted to jump on board. Every year since partnering with Hewson the brokers have gotten more excited about holiday gifts. Their client experience is meticulously managed as a whole including wrapping, graphic design, handwritten notes, and more. The firm enjoys how the process is streamlined, requires next to no effort on their end, and that their rival firm’s big-box gifts pale in comparison. After three years of successful annual gifting campaigns Blue Ocean continues to build relationships by creating thoughtful moments that stand out amongst the noise.

FEEDBACK: 

From inside the firm: 
“I've gotten so many thank yous this year as opposed to any other one. Everyone loves the speaker.”

From clients:
 “...best f*cking gift ever.” (2021)

“Thank you and your team for the wonderful gift. We will get quite a bit of enjoyment out of it at our camp.”

“Oh hell yea bro. This will be perf for the desk.” (2022)

CLIENT: Telltale

BUSINESS: Brand Studio

YEAR: August 2021—Present 

SUMMARY: 

The Creative Director knew with her client roster increasing in both the scope and price point she wanted new client gifts that reflected the new level of maturity and polish of her business. Her past gifts were fun and cute, but never felt like a truly excellent gift.

She  had an established client appreciation strategy - complete a project, send a gift. The problem was her vendor was slow to respond and she wasn't getting much feedback from her clients. By creating a menu of gift options for her to select from and tailor to client needs based on project scope, she was able to create more meaningful connections by gifting with intention and care, in a way that was true to her brand and the recipient. From 2022 to 2023, she increased her return client rate by 4x!

YEAR: March 2023 

SUMMARY: 

Gifting during the holiday season becomes an expectation for small business owners, the stress and pressure to get something out the door during a chaotic time of year can feel overwhelming. The Founder and Creative Director wanted to show her client roster her appreciation for their business and support, but wanted to distance her efforts from that noise to ensure a lasting impression. By launching an International Women's Day direct mail appreciation campaign she surprised and delighted her clients at a time of year when there was no expectation for appreciation. She received a 32% response rate, compared to the national average of 4-9% due to high personalization, charity component, and surprise element. In addition, we chose exclusively women owned businesses as vendor partners for the components and by doing so supported 4 female (all mama) owned small businesses across the country.

FEEDBACK: 

From clients: 
“So honored to receive this beautiful package for International Women's Day. The thoughtfulness and design of this gift is so deliberate and just excellent.”

"It's SO good!!!! Obsessed. So thoughtful and purposeful and beautiful"